Central, Southeast Alabama Abnormally Dry

Nearly 20 percent of Alabama is experiencing abnormally dry weather, but the state remains drought-free.

The latest report from the U.S. Drought Monitor says parts of central and southeastern Alabama are drier than normal. Combined, the area makes up about 19 percent of the state.

That's worse than a year ago, when the entire state had sufficient rainfall. But federal statistics don't show any drought conditions in Alabama, and most counties are at or above normal rainfall levels.

Alabama's driest areas are around the Interstate 20 corridor including Anniston, metro Birmingham and Tuscaloosa. The Dothan area is also abnormally dry.

The picture is much worse in the Western United States. Much of the Southwest and California are gripped in a severe drought with rainfall levels far below normal.